After a pretty impressive debut in the UFC for the ‘Fire Kid’ in what is now a time old tradition at #WHOATV it’s only right we have a look at who Tom Duquesnoy could possibly face next. By the way, for the uninitiated, you pronounce his surname ‘Doo-Ken-Wah’ and for complete transparency before he corrected me I’d been calling him ‘Doo-Kes-Noy’ for months. Anyway, about that top five list.
1. Brett Johns
The ‘Pikey’ had an impressive showing in his first bout in the UFC where he put on a spirited one sided beat down on Kwan Ho Kwak, the unbeaten Welsh powerhouse could settle the question circulating in forums as to who is officially the baddest mixed martial arts bantamweight in Europe. With slick submissions in his arsenal Johns represents a credible test to Duquesnoy’s penchant for short elbows and vicious kicks.
2. Davey Grant
He’s had mixed fortunes since his stint in the Ultimate Fighter House but ‘Dangerous’ poses a credible next test for the ‘Fire Kid’. Grant’s arsenal which consists mainly of Thai boxing and submissions the latter which he has used to great effect to rack up several notable wins, will present a suitable puzzle for Duquesnoy to solve as a rather durable Grant seldom lets his opponents out of the first round.
3. Marlon Vera
Coming of two back to back victories one of which was a very moving defeat of Brad ‘One Punch’ Pickett before he exited the cage for the last time. Vera brings to the table both slick submissions and KO power. One attribute his last fight showed emphatically was his durability and sense of timing both of which will be a challenge to Duquesnoy’s relentless strategy of cutting off the cage and working the body of his opponents.
4. Brendan Loughnane
No one can argue that Loughnane’s UFC call up is well overdue. His last outing which saw him defeat Mike Wilkinson surely has put a firm stamp on his UFC call up papers. Whilst fighting currently at featherweight might pose a problem its arguable giving Loughnane’s tenacity, drive and ambition that this could prove to be a stumbling block that will be easily passed. Given the history that these two hold, having fought before to a decision many argue Loughnane won, this rematch would present a compelling return to the Octagon for both men.
5. Rob Font
Whilst Duquesnoy’s UFC debut was less than perfect he’s now riding a six fight win streak. Testing this run with a fighter sitting atop the Bantamweight top fifteen ranks could be the litmus test of exactly where Duquesnoy sits in the pecking order. Font has incredibly aggressive punching power which would match up nicely with Duquesnoy’s come forward style. This is a performance of the night contender waiting to happen.
Let me know your comments below or via Facebook or via my Twitter